4608. sikera

Lexicon

sikera: Strong drink

Original Word: σίκερα
Part of Speech: Noun, Indeclinable, Other Type
Transliteration: sikera
Pronunciation: see'-keh-rah
Phonetic Spelling: (sik'-er-ah)
Definition: Strong drink
Meaning: intoxicating drink.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

strong drink.

Of Hebrew origin (shekar); an intoxicant, i.e. Intensely fermented liquor -- strong drink.

see HEBREW shekar

HELPS Word-studies

4608 síkera (a transliteration of the Hebrew 7941/shēkhār, "alcoholic drink") – any fermented, intoxicating drink (sometimes made from grapes); "strong drink, fermented from fruits, grain, dates or honey, i.e. not distilled alcoholic beverages "such as whiskey, gin, and vodka, which were not known in the ancient world" (L & N, 1, 6.200).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of Hebrew origin shekar
Definition
fermented liquor
NASB Translation
liquor (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4608: σίκερα

σίκερα, τό (Hebrew שֵׁכָר (rather, according to Kautzsch (Gram., p. 11) for שִׁכְרָא (properly, σικρα) the stative emphatic of שְׁכַר (literally, 'intoxicating' drink))), indeclinable (Winers Grammar, 68 (66); Buttmann, 24 (21)) (yet Eusebius, praep. evang. 6, 10, 8 has a genitive σικερος (and Sophocles in his Lex. quotes from Cyrill. Alex. 1, 1041 d. (edited by Migne) a genitive σικερατος), strong drink, an intoxicating beverage, different from wine (except in Numbers 28:7 (cf. Isaiah 28:7)); it was a factitious product, made of a mixture of sweet ingredients, whether derived from grain and vegetables, or from the juice of fruits (dates), or a decoction of honey: Luke 1:15 (Leviticus 10:9; Numbers 6:3; Deuteronomy 14:25 (); , etc.; the same Hebrew word is rendered also by μέθυσμα, Judges 13:4, 7, 14; Micah 2:11). Cf. Winers RWB under the word Wein, künstlicher; (B. D., under the word ).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: The Greek word σίκερα is borrowed from the Hebrew word שֵׁכָר (shekar), which refers to a strong drink or intoxicating beverage.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Hebrew entry for σίκερα is Strong's Hebrew 7941: שֵׁכָר (shekar), which also refers to a strong drink or intoxicating beverage. This term is used in the Old Testament in various contexts, including Levitical laws and Nazarite vows, to denote beverages that are distinct from wine and are known for their potency.

Usage: The term σίκερα is used in the New Testament to denote a strong, intoxicating drink. It appears in contexts where abstinence from such beverages is highlighted, particularly in relation to religious vows or duties.

Context: The term σίκερα is found in the New Testament in Luke 1:15, where it is used to describe the abstinence of John the Baptist from strong drink as part of his Nazirite-like vow. The verse states, "for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He shall never take wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb" (BSB). This abstinence is indicative of a life set apart for divine purposes, emphasizing purity and dedication to God.

In the cultural context of the Bible, strong drinks like σίκερα were common and could be made from various ingredients, including barley, dates, or honey. These beverages were known for their intoxicating effects and were often consumed in social and religious settings. However, the consumption of such drinks was sometimes viewed with caution, especially for those in religious service or under specific vows, as excessive drinking could lead to moral and social issues.

The use of σίκερα in the New Testament reflects a broader biblical theme of moderation and self-control, particularly for those in positions of spiritual leadership or those who have taken vows of consecration. The abstinence from strong drink is often associated with a life dedicated to God, free from the distractions and potential pitfalls of intoxication.

Forms and Transliterations

σικερα σικέρα σίκερα σικέραν Σίκιμα σίκλοι σίκλον σίκλος σίκλου σίκλους σίκλω σικλών σίκλων σικυηράτω σικύους sikera síkera

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 1:15 N
GRK: οἶνον καὶ σίκερα οὐ μὴ
NAS: or liquor, and he will be filled
KJV: nor strong drink; and
INT: wine and strong drink no not

Strong's Greek 4608
1 Occurrence

σίκερα — 1 Occ.